Jeraldo, if you are worried about stinging and such, whilst snorkelling, make sure you are wearing a full skin suit. Sometimes there are little stingy things in the water, that are often not visible. Also, if you do accidentally brush up against something in the water, you will be protected that way as well.

Personally, I'm against the handling of the rays and sharks, but it has long been the practice at Shark Ray Alley and a few other places. If you choose to indulge yourself, then make sure that the dive guide has control of the shark or ray before you follow the guides instructions with regard to that touching or stroking. Do not go around pulling tails or fins.

Have a good trip.

I kinda' suspected that particular response seachell. I understand that the tourist industry has an immense impact upon the Cayes, and in such, it's not advisable (economically) to discourage tourists from participation in (relatively) anti-environmental activities as "touchy-feely" activities with the native creatures of the sea (or land for that matter). I've been researching our March trip over the past 2 months, read 2 books I purchased from Amazon.com about the Cayes, and am still quite troubled with my inherent desire to snorkel among a multitude of creatures with whom I desire to reach out to and touch. I have absolutely no desire to grab ahold of a ray or shark solely for the "kodak moment" photo op, However, I can't deny that I won't want to touch or stroke a shark or ray if one passes within reach. My experiences (snorkeling)last year at Isla de Mujeres, and Cozumel, were absolutely deplete of any such opportunities to interact with such magnificant creatures as are found amongst the reef systems of Belize, and I fear I'll be tempted to interact given the opportunity.
If you have any additional suggestions or warnings we might heed regarding our trip to the Caye and our intentions to kayak and swim about the reef each day, please feel free. We intend to spend 2 weeks renting kayaks, swimming about the reef systems solo, searching for private spots to pull our kayaks ashore (isles)to lunch, and eventually head back before sunset to explore Caye Caulker's nightlife, please feel free to chime-in, we appreciate your advice. BTW: we have yet to commit to lodging and are willing to go no higher than $40./US / night (is that an insane expectation for the high season of March on Caye Caulker?)?.
Thanx again for your input SS,
Jerry and Connie~

There are some at that price but expect backpackers inn type of accommodation, like one bath/toilet shared by other rooms.
40. gets a 'Hostel' type of accommodation.

Hey Elbert~
Thanx for the advice. I read somewhere, I think in one of my Cayes travel books, that "Raul's Rooms", located on the corner of the back street (also called Avenda Mangle and Traveler Palm) might be able to accomodate travelers for under $40./U.S., and they apparently have refrigerators, priv. bathroom, and ceiling fans in their rooms (?). I wonder if anyone else has heard of Raul's rooms?. Anywho, if Raul reads this I hope he (or she) responds as I'm very interested.

Thanx again Elbert~

Elbert may not be fully up to date on our accomodations. On this board many good people from San Pedro respond to help folks out. CC people don't post here as often. We have lots of nice places to stay with private bath under BZ$80. Things are a bit slow now and you can even come without res and find a room or Apt in that range.If you help out the high school-Ocean Academy- you can get free windsurf lessons and good advice from the teachers who are local family.
The kayaks come with no anchor because you need a ticket to stop with a boat of any size in the Reef Reserve and anchor.Perhaps you should write the kayak places like Chocolate with your plan.